CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

The Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S Conversion Project began in spring 2020 and ended in spring 2022. The project converted Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S to two-way traffic to improve connectivity and access in Renton and make downtown a more vibrant and livable area.

Changes to downtown Renton

• New sidewalk and crossing improvements to increase pedestrian mobility and safety while enhancing the street environment.

• Upgraded lighting, street furniture, bike racks, and other amenities to strengthen downtown’s character and welcoming feel.

• Converted Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S to two-way traffic to make it easier to access businesses downtown.

• Installed new traffic signals on S 2nd St and S 3rd St at Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S to direct traffic at the intersections.

• Added permanent all-way stops along Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S at S 5th St, Houser Way S, South Riverside Dr, and North Riverside Dr.

The Downtown Utility Project upgrades water, sewer and stormwater utilities to address current use and support future development needs within the downtown core. Upgrades are needed now because some underground pipes are past their useful life, in poor condition, lack capacity and/or require costly maintenance. This project precedes future work that will include streetscape improvements and the conversion of S 2nd St and S 3rd St to two-way operations.

Construction planned: spring 2021 - fall 2022

Water work on S 2nd between Whitworth Ave S and Rainier Ave S will continue through next week with some spot work in the area..S 2nd St north of the island will be closed. Access remains open on the lanes south of the island. The available lanes will depend on the work being done at that time.

Work continues on Rainier Ave S and S 3rd St to complete installation of a storm drain access lid. Concrete was poured Thursday February 3rd and will need to cure for the next two weeks.

Lanes will be restricted as needed, but through access of the intersection will be maintained. This work is anticipated to proceed through mid-February. After curing we will return to complete paving at the intersection.

Typical work hours: Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Construction impacts: Check out the project page for additional information and detailed construction impacts.

Questions or comments?

Hotline: 425-363-7230

Email: [email protected]

The Houser Way Intersection & Pedestrian Improvements project began in fall 2020 and ended in spring 2022 in coordination with the Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S Conversion Project. This project constructed new curbs, gutters and sidewalks (including curb extensions), ADA improvements on Houser Way at Williams Ave S and Wells Ave S and installed a new 12” water main in an existing casing on Williams Ave S under the BNSF railroad tracks. Construction planned: Will begin summer 2021 and extend into spring 2022.

We poured the sidewalk on Houser Ave S at Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S. Following completion of sidewalk, we will begin work on installation of planter soils and edge restoration.

Typical work hours: Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Construction impacts: The project page has additional information and detailed construction impacts.

Questions or comments?

Hotline: 425-430-7318

Email: [email protected]

The City of Renton started improving the streets and sidewalks of downtown blocks in 2017 in conjunction with several key initiatives. These public rights-of-way improvements, collectively known as “streetscapes,” help improve the appearance and safety of sidewalk and street areas and provide a more vibrant pedestrian experience.

Several street intersection projects over the past several years have installed streetscape improvements at 2nd, 3rd, and Houser and Main, Wells and Williams, as well as along the 200 block of Wells. Next in line is the 200 block of Williams Ave S (between 2nd and 3rd), which will receive streetscape improvements like those completed on Wells Avenue in 2021.

Construction schedule:  Williams Ave (200 block) construction starts in October 2023.

For project updates and the latest schedule, visit the projects webpage.

Contacts:

Michael Sippo
Civic Engineer III
425-430-9298
[email protected]

John Collum
Redevelopment Manager
425-430-7358
[email protected]

We are trying to minimize parking impacts as much as possible. There are several public parking lots downtown that offer up to 2 hours of free parking and convenient access to downtown businesses.

The City Center Parking Garage offers free parking for access to downtown businesses through June 2022 and to residents during construction. The garage is accessible between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Overnight parking is not allowed.